Growing numbers of people support the expansion of grammar schools, despite
opposition from Labour and the Conservatives, according to research.

More than three-quarters of adults believe more academically-selective schools should be opened, particularly in inner-city areas with poor education standards, it was disclosed.

Support for grammar schools has actually increased over the last four years, figures suggest.

The disclosure, in a survey by ICM, comes amid growing concerns over provision for the brightest pupils in state comprehensives.

Currently, there are only 232 grammar schools remaining in the UK – 164 in England and 68 in Northern Ireland.

Labour introduced legislation when it came to power more than a decade ago banning the opening of any more grammars and Ed Balls, the Schools Secretary, has recently accused them of condemning many young people to "failure" at the age of 11.

Three years ago, David Cameron sparked a backbench rebellion after announcing he was severing the Conservatives' ties with grammar schools. Many grassroots Tories are still strongly in favour of academic selection.

Politicians in Northern Ireland are also committed to abolishing its remaining selective schools.

However, grammar schools remain hugely popular with parents and some of the most sought-after secondaries attract 10 applications for every place.

In recent years, private tutors have also recorded a huge upsurge in demand for extra tuition to help get children through the 11-plus entrance exam.

In the latest survey, some 76 per cent of adults supported the idea of introducing new grammar schools in areas without academic selection.

Some 85 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 – many of whom have just left the education system – backed the idea.

In a similar survey by ICM in 2006, 70 per cent of people said they supported the expansion of grammars.

Robert McCartney, chairman of the National Grammar Schools Association, which commissioned the research, called on the main political parties to reverse their opposition to academic selection.

“The popularity of politicians is at an extremely low level and a general election is due very soon," he said.

“It's unbelievable that none of our three largest political parties seriously supports either existing grammar schools or the idea of opening new ones where there's parental demand. If they want our votes, they should offer what the public wants.”

The research also found that 70 per cent of those questioned supported the retention of the UK’s remaining grammar schools as “self-governing” authorities – run independent of local councils.

The latest findings come amid growing concern over provision for the brightest pupils in state schools.

This month, it was revealed that the Government was effectively scrapping its national programme for gifted pupils – set up by Tony Blair – in favour of devolving more money directly to schools.

But a recent report from Ofsted found that the most able pupils were often being failed at school as lessons were not “challenging” enough.

Leading head teachers have also warned that the pressure to climb league tables, which are based on the number of pupils gaining at least C grade GCSEs, meant teachers focused on average performers at the expense of the very brightest.